Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Journal Volume
104
Journal Issue
5
Start Page
458
End Page
464
ISSN
1537-7385
0894-9115
Date Issued
2024-11-11
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is considered for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the impact of adding inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to PR on inspiratory muscle function is underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IMT in addition to PR on inspiratory muscle function, functional exercise capacity (FEC), and quality of life (QoL) in patients with AECOPD.
Design
Sixteen patients with AECOPD and a maximal inspiratory pressure < 80 cmH2O were randomized into the experimental (PR + IMT) or the control (PR + sham IMT) group for an 8-wk intervention. Inspiratory muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography, FEC was examined by 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and QoL was assessed with COPD Assessment Test.
Results
The experimental group showed sustained and significant improvements in inspiratory muscle function, 6MWD, and QoL after intervention (all P < 0.05). The experimental group had higher maximal inspiratory pressure with less diaphragm activation (both P < 0.001) and more improvements in 6MWD and QoL after intervention (both P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Adding IMT to PR resulted in more improvements in inspiratory muscle function, FEC, and QoL for patients with AECOPD, suggesting IMT as a beneficial addition to PR.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Type
journal article